Monash varsity adopts open e-learning

Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, has selected the open source Moodle e-learning platform for its next-generation virtual learning environment (VLE) which will integrate with third-party applications, writes CIO.

Monash's decision to go with the Moodle 2.0 learning management system released last November should provide greater autonomy to both educators and students, according to Moodle services provider NetSpot.

The new VLE is a five-year strategic initiative which will integrate online learning and teaching tools with the Moodle platform; including the Google Apps for Education suite (e-mail, calendar, sites, groups and chat), MeTL (an inking software for tablet PCs developed by Monash's eEducation Centre) and an ePortfolio tool.

Monash University Pro Vice-Chancellor of Learning and Teaching, Marnie Hughes-Warrington says the move to Moodle 2.0 is part of the university's wider vision of e-learning in which the dynamic connection of staff and students is paramount, reports News Maker.

“For us, leadership in e-learning means usability and technology for creating learning relationships”, she says.

Australia is currently leading the world in the roll out of the new Moodle 2.0 platform, with NetSpot being the first and only major Moodle Partner globally to support Moodle 2.0 enterprise-wide for institutions who want to take advantage of the next generation architecture.